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ARKANE #6
Gates of Hell
For millennia, they have held the gates of Hell shut against the darkness. But now they’re gone… and the gates are swinging wide.
When Morgan Sierra receives a package with a note from her father — murdered in a suicide bombing years ago — she goes on high alert. As an agent of ARKANE, the secret organization tasked with investigating the supernatural, Morgan has seen unusual things like this before. But even she isn’t prepared to face the danger that’s coming… from her own past.
Her father’s death was no accident. A member of the Remnant — a group of holy men schooled in the deepest mysteries of Kabbalah — her father was one of those charged with protecting our world from the demons that want to take it; to keep sealed the gates of Hell.
But the Remnant is dying, its members murdered by Adam Kadmon: a man once groomed to lead the Remnant before turning to twisted paths of power. Kadmon wants to open the portal between our world and Hell, to create a twisted, demonic version of our world over which he will reign supreme.
Now, Morgan and her partner — Jake Timber, the enigmatic agent who recruited her for ARKANE — are on the run. From the holiest cities in Israel to underwater cities lost to history, they must follow this trail to the end. To find a way to stop Kadmon before he offers the final sacrifice. A sacrifice of pain. A sacrifice of blood. A sacrifice of one of the children of the Remnant.
Kadmon intends to spill the blood of Morgan Sierra… and open wide the Gates of Hell.
Gates of Hell is the sixth installment in the bestselling ARKANE series by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J.F. Penn. Read as part of the series, or as a standalone adventure — either way, grab your copy fast, and join Morgan and Jake on their journey through the ARKANE!
When Morgan Sierra receives a package with a note from her father — murdered in a suicide bombing years ago — she goes on high alert. As an agent of ARKANE, the secret organization tasked with investigating the supernatural, Morgan has seen unusual things like this before. But even she isn’t prepared to face the danger that’s coming… from her own past.
Her father’s death was no accident. A member of the Remnant — a group of holy men schooled in the deepest mysteries of Kabbalah — her father was one of those charged with protecting our world from the demons that want to take it; to keep sealed the gates of Hell.
But the Remnant is dying, its members murdered by Adam Kadmon: a man once groomed to lead the Remnant before turning to twisted paths of power. Kadmon wants to open the portal between our world and Hell, to create a twisted, demonic version of our world over which he will reign supreme.
Now, Morgan and her partner — Jake Timber, the enigmatic agent who recruited her for ARKANE — are on the run. From the holiest cities in Israel to underwater cities lost to history, they must follow this trail to the end. To find a way to stop Kadmon before he offers the final sacrifice. A sacrifice of pain. A sacrifice of blood. A sacrifice of one of the children of the Remnant.
Kadmon intends to spill the blood of Morgan Sierra… and open wide the Gates of Hell.
Gates of Hell is the sixth installment in the bestselling ARKANE series by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J.F. Penn. Read as part of the series, or as a standalone adventure — either way, grab your copy fast, and join Morgan and Jake on their journey through the ARKANE!
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2015
33 people are currently reading
871 people want to read
About the author
J.F. Penn
55 books2,234 followersI'm the award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers, crime, dark fantasy, horror, short stories, and travel memoir.
Reading order: https://jfpennbooks.com/pages/reading...
The fast-paced ARKANE thrillers weave together historical artifacts, global locations, a kick-ass protagonist and a hint of the supernatural. Described by readers as "Dan Brown meets Lara Croft."
The Brooke & Daniel Crime Thriller Series features British detective Jamie Brooke alongside museum researcher Blake Daniel, as they solve dark crimes around London.
The Mapwalker fantasy adventure trilogy is set between Bath, England and the Borderlands in a split world fantasy where Sienna and the Mapwalker team travel through maps to adventure ...
A Thousand Fiendish Angels is a collection of 3 short stories bound together by a book of human skin. Inspired by Dante's Inferno.
You can buy books directly from me https://jfpennbooks.com/
I have a blog and podcast at http://www.BooksAndTravel.page
I'm passionate about writing and I love reading. My favorite authors include James Rollins, Jonathan Maberry, John Connolly, Daniel Silva, and I also read a lot of travel books.
Reading order: https://jfpennbooks.com/pages/reading...
The fast-paced ARKANE thrillers weave together historical artifacts, global locations, a kick-ass protagonist and a hint of the supernatural. Described by readers as "Dan Brown meets Lara Croft."
The Brooke & Daniel Crime Thriller Series features British detective Jamie Brooke alongside museum researcher Blake Daniel, as they solve dark crimes around London.
The Mapwalker fantasy adventure trilogy is set between Bath, England and the Borderlands in a split world fantasy where Sienna and the Mapwalker team travel through maps to adventure ...
A Thousand Fiendish Angels is a collection of 3 short stories bound together by a book of human skin. Inspired by Dante's Inferno.
You can buy books directly from me https://jfpennbooks.com/
I have a blog and podcast at http://www.BooksAndTravel.page
I'm passionate about writing and I love reading. My favorite authors include James Rollins, Jonathan Maberry, John Connolly, Daniel Silva, and I also read a lot of travel books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 2, 2016
This was book 6 in the ARKANE series, and had the most supernatural feel to it. It all starts with a package that Dr Morgan Sierra receives from her father, but he died 4 years previously. Morgan takes time off from her ARKANE duties to unravel the mystery surrounding this package. Once again she is accompanied by her fit again partner, Jake Timber. The package was posted from Spain, so that is their first stop in their investigation. The more they uncover the deeper the mystery gets.
The story causes them to cross into various different countries, some more familiar than others to this team. Once again the locations are well written, giving the reader an insight to actual places. As with each ARKANE plot line there is either a shadowy organisation, or individual, seeking the same goal as the ARKANE team. In this case it is a man by the name of Adam Kadmon. Various clashes ensue between the two differing sides.
The reader is given more of an insight into the reasons why Morgan is so driven, but it also shows her caring side too. Once again this has been well researched, even delving into Kabbalism.
The story causes them to cross into various different countries, some more familiar than others to this team. Once again the locations are well written, giving the reader an insight to actual places. As with each ARKANE plot line there is either a shadowy organisation, or individual, seeking the same goal as the ARKANE team. In this case it is a man by the name of Adam Kadmon. Various clashes ensue between the two differing sides.
The reader is given more of an insight into the reasons why Morgan is so driven, but it also shows her caring side too. Once again this has been well researched, even delving into Kabbalism.
June 19, 2015
J.F. Penn wrote a wonderful story that is highly entertaining. This book is action packed like you would expect from any book in the ARKANE series, but this story added more than the previous. Morgan, the main protagonist, was joined once again with Jake to work a case— but this time it was personal for her.What I liked about this plot is that more of Morgan's past, and her relationship with her father, was revealed. This added depth to her character. It also explained so much about her obsession for the truth and her insatiable appetite for religious artifacts. Another side of Morgan that the reader got a glimpse of was her ability to see and accept people for who they are. Her reaction to Jake, and her ability to accept his 'limitations', showed a caring side of her personality.The tension was high throughout the story, as Morgan overcomes one obstacle then falls in front of another. The character of Mikael was introduced —a great portrayal of a truly faithful man, strong and heroic in an unassuming way. The idea of true sacrifice always makes for a great story, even if he becomes a tragic hero. Of course countering the good was a great villain in Adam Kadmon, another zealot. The settings were magical, and the Houska Castle is a great choice for the finale, with the haunting stories that surround the place. Other interesting components added in this book were: flamenco nights in Seville, the Kabbalism, the Sefer Yetzirah, the creation of golem and other religious ideas.I enjoy reading books when I learn something new, especially if done well. This book gave the reader a great value, with added goodies at the end, as well as more information on the topics discussed in the story. I recommend anyone who enjoys high adventure to read The Gates Of Hell.
July 7, 2016
Book 6, in the Arkane series
J. F. Penn takes on a scary journey none of us would like to experience and to a place where few would like to visit…… to the Gates of Hell.
Miss Penn delves into religion of all sects and spins exceptional stories filled with knowledge into a thrilling action packed adventure and seamlessly weave archaeology, geography and culture into her lively and dynamic plot. If you haven’t read the previous books have no fear to pick up at this point, each book stands on its own and blends perfectly within the series. We do have a small wrap up to set the stage and to remind us of happened previously in each installment.
Morgan the main protagonist is joined once again with Jake and as they overcome one obstacle after the other we are for one of those thrilling, scary, mythical ride. The setting is magical and Ms. Penn knows how to phrase her ideas with haunting effects and other interesting components to imprint in our mind pictures in ways only a passionate author can do. There are a lot of paranormal elements wrap up around historical ones and numerology plays a good part here. All this is written in a fluid and dramatic style, vividly describing supernatural elements, myths, and symbology…. For those into mystical dramas this is definitely a treat.
I have a moderate taste regarding spooky adventures but after reading a few books I developed an affinity regarding Ms. Penn’s excellent style and captivating topics…
J. F. Penn takes on a scary journey none of us would like to experience and to a place where few would like to visit…… to the Gates of Hell.
Miss Penn delves into religion of all sects and spins exceptional stories filled with knowledge into a thrilling action packed adventure and seamlessly weave archaeology, geography and culture into her lively and dynamic plot. If you haven’t read the previous books have no fear to pick up at this point, each book stands on its own and blends perfectly within the series. We do have a small wrap up to set the stage and to remind us of happened previously in each installment.
Morgan the main protagonist is joined once again with Jake and as they overcome one obstacle after the other we are for one of those thrilling, scary, mythical ride. The setting is magical and Ms. Penn knows how to phrase her ideas with haunting effects and other interesting components to imprint in our mind pictures in ways only a passionate author can do. There are a lot of paranormal elements wrap up around historical ones and numerology plays a good part here. All this is written in a fluid and dramatic style, vividly describing supernatural elements, myths, and symbology…. For those into mystical dramas this is definitely a treat.
I have a moderate taste regarding spooky adventures but after reading a few books I developed an affinity regarding Ms. Penn’s excellent style and captivating topics…
February 2, 2016
I've been working my way through J. F. Penn's ARKANE series and while I had a lot of love for Crypt of Bone, I think Gates of Hell just became my favourite. It's the most overtly 'supernatural' of the books, and has the greatest crossover with the horror genre, which is the main genre I usually read. I won't repeat the plot since it's stated in the book summary, but sufficeth to say that Morgan's family history dovetails neatly with a plot to unleash the foulest hounds of hell. Morgan seems almost fated to be doing what she's doing, and while I do sometimes wish she'd have some kind of flaw, or actually be bad at something, she is pretty fun to read. She's been compared to Lara Croft, but there's an element of Temperance Brennan or Dana Scully in there too. Morgan's intelligent and feisty, and most importantly she's resourceful. This book marks a certain evolution of Penn's style, I felt, and it's definitely recommended for fans of religious thrillers - or just thrillers in general!
September 3, 2016
Morgan receives a letter from her father, who is deceased regarding what is called the Key to the Gates of Hell. With her partner Jake they embark on a search for this Key. Will they be able to find it in time or will the Gates of Hell be opened? This is a thrilling story! I love the history and the different places this quest takes the main characters. Once started you will have a hard time putting this book down until the final page. This is book 6 on a series and I can't wait to read the rest of them. If you love adventure and a mystery to solve this is the book for you. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2021
In this story, ARKANE agent, Morgan Sierra, receives a package, a delayed shipment from her deceased father, which contained an encrypted message regarding a Key to the Gates of Hell. She immediately commences an investigation, joined by her old partner, Jake Timber, recently released from lengthy rehabilitation after major surgery due to injuries during a past assignment, and likely at less than 100% effectiveness, but hungry to return to work. Their journey to locate the Key and the Gates took them through Spain, Israel, and into the Czech Republic.
They were being closely followed by the evil Adam Kadmon, who had made a pact with the devil to unlock the Gates, and would stop at nothing to obtain the Key. He had calculated the timing for an alignment of Mars, Earth and the Sun, followed by four dark red “blood moon” lunar eclipses. Adam knew that this alignment happened once every 778 years, and it would be an occasion on which the Gates would be receptive to opening if the Key was available. He had been systematically murdering members of the Remnants, the group of Jews who were safeguarding the Key’s existence, handed down thru centuries.
Morgan’s father had been a member of that group; his death was just confirmed as a murder. Shortly before committing suicide rather than give up the information, the last surviving Remnant member had sent the her the package from her father. When Morgan learned the truth about her father’s death, revenge against Adam Kadmon became her motivation.
In Israel, they met Mikael Levy, a devout Jew who had served in the military under Morgan’s husband Elian, and who had also met her father a few months before he died, and was ultimately drawn into the Remnant group.
The journey had many dangerous twists, turns and deadly encounters as the celestial alignment approached. There was a lot of action that kept me reading, losing sleep along the way. Does the Key exist? If so, who would find it and survive the fight over it? Ms. Penn is a master story teller. It is obvious that she does painstaking research on the history of the subject matter and story locations. She adds vivid description to help the reader see the museum exhibits and the local scenery. She combines religion, history, art and science elements with lots of imagination to present an intriguing story that I did not want to put down. I have read and enjoyed several of Ms. Penn’s books, including her Mapwalker series and now in this ARKANE series. I highly recommend them all, and that you read them in series order, as she adds more depth to her continuing characters. I have already purchased copies of the rest of the books in this series and am eager to read them all.
They were being closely followed by the evil Adam Kadmon, who had made a pact with the devil to unlock the Gates, and would stop at nothing to obtain the Key. He had calculated the timing for an alignment of Mars, Earth and the Sun, followed by four dark red “blood moon” lunar eclipses. Adam knew that this alignment happened once every 778 years, and it would be an occasion on which the Gates would be receptive to opening if the Key was available. He had been systematically murdering members of the Remnants, the group of Jews who were safeguarding the Key’s existence, handed down thru centuries.
Morgan’s father had been a member of that group; his death was just confirmed as a murder. Shortly before committing suicide rather than give up the information, the last surviving Remnant member had sent the her the package from her father. When Morgan learned the truth about her father’s death, revenge against Adam Kadmon became her motivation.
In Israel, they met Mikael Levy, a devout Jew who had served in the military under Morgan’s husband Elian, and who had also met her father a few months before he died, and was ultimately drawn into the Remnant group.
The journey had many dangerous twists, turns and deadly encounters as the celestial alignment approached. There was a lot of action that kept me reading, losing sleep along the way. Does the Key exist? If so, who would find it and survive the fight over it? Ms. Penn is a master story teller. It is obvious that she does painstaking research on the history of the subject matter and story locations. She adds vivid description to help the reader see the museum exhibits and the local scenery. She combines religion, history, art and science elements with lots of imagination to present an intriguing story that I did not want to put down. I have read and enjoyed several of Ms. Penn’s books, including her Mapwalker series and now in this ARKANE series. I highly recommend them all, and that you read them in series order, as she adds more depth to her continuing characters. I have already purchased copies of the rest of the books in this series and am eager to read them all.
October 6, 2019
In my review of the last book in this series (Day of the Vikings), I said I thought it was the best one yet in this series.
Well, I'd like to revise that opinion: THIS is the best book yet in the ARKANE series. And may it continue to go from strength to strength.
First of all, Jake's back after a long absence. I still don't recall what exactly happened to put him out of commission -- some tragedy in the first or second book, I gather -- but I do remember what kind of man he is, and the dynamic of his relationship with Morgan Sierra, and I realised I'd missed him.
The Gates of Hell is as fast-paced and action-packed as we've become accustomed to with this series, but there's also more... substance, because I feel like this is the book where we start getting really personal with Morgan and her family history, and some deep, important questions that have been hanging in the air for a while get answered. As much as I felt Day of the Vikings was a turning-point for dabbling in non-Abrahamic religion (this one's firmly back in the realm of the Jewish and Christian God, by the way), this one is a turning-point because, I think, this is where things get real.
I never thought I'd enjoy a series as much as I'm enjoying this one. None of the books is earth-shatteringly good (no five-star ratings from me yet), but it's really solid. If this were a TV series, it'd be one of those where I never missed an episode.
Click here to find out where you can get the ebook: https://books2read.com/u/4XZj1e
Well, I'd like to revise that opinion: THIS is the best book yet in the ARKANE series. And may it continue to go from strength to strength.
First of all, Jake's back after a long absence. I still don't recall what exactly happened to put him out of commission -- some tragedy in the first or second book, I gather -- but I do remember what kind of man he is, and the dynamic of his relationship with Morgan Sierra, and I realised I'd missed him.
The Gates of Hell is as fast-paced and action-packed as we've become accustomed to with this series, but there's also more... substance, because I feel like this is the book where we start getting really personal with Morgan and her family history, and some deep, important questions that have been hanging in the air for a while get answered. As much as I felt Day of the Vikings was a turning-point for dabbling in non-Abrahamic religion (this one's firmly back in the realm of the Jewish and Christian God, by the way), this one is a turning-point because, I think, this is where things get real.
I never thought I'd enjoy a series as much as I'm enjoying this one. None of the books is earth-shatteringly good (no five-star ratings from me yet), but it's really solid. If this were a TV series, it'd be one of those where I never missed an episode.
Click here to find out where you can get the ebook: https://books2read.com/u/4XZj1e
November 13, 2015
The book is the characters and the characters are the book. They are all so closely related and well fit together for the cases they are on. The lives of the characters and what they are brilliant at is exactly what brings them to this job and the cases they are on, even personal ones like this as Morgan was taught to look for these things from her father and he his before him.
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
Adam wants the Key. The key to open the gates of Hell and to cleanse the earth. He's demanding the last of the Remnant to give it to him. But the man of devote faith couldn't think of letting that be unleashed that on the world, so he does the one thing he can think of.
Morgan has received a package in her dead father's handwriting, along with another's she doesn't recognize. An ancient book with a loose paper of symbols in her father's script. The person that sent it to her, the last living member of the Remnant, was found dead that morning. The further Morgan digs in this case, the more she learns of her father and the secret organization he was a part of that protected an old secret of the Hebrew. She has three days before the planets align to race a man determined to release the darkness on the world before he gets the Key and to the Gates. Morgan must find the Key first to stop him. But can she solve the answers to the puzzles before Adam and not let the desire for revenge get in the way?
Veronica is one of the best at voicing different voices and accents to make it easy to different characters in a story. I love how Veronica knows when to speed up, then slow down. She accents the scenes as they go, making my heart race in chases and pause in other moments to have the reader feel the impact. One example is a moment where Jake starts to crawl through snakes. Veronica does an amazing job with the pacing in her voice here. A moment you want to creep through unheard, and unnoticed yet I want to hurry. My heart started to race but I know I needed to breath slow with Jake to get there, and not hurt. Then the fast movement around him! Veronica's voice brings this across.
J.F. Penn's prologues are mesmerizing, intoxicating... so well written to draw a whole story in and of itself. This prologue gripped me by the event that happens and tells of what story could come. She uses every word to tell of so many different pieces of information. Wow. I'm amazed by it!
And the writing to follow is nothing short of what we get in the prologue.
Thrilling, action, adventure. All in one place. The descriptions of the sights we see are amazing - diving in the Dead Sea, the city of Barcelona, and the artwork viewed. So beautiful. Not only do we get the stunning view but the emotional reaction of the characters at the sight. This really hits home the beauty, or horror, of it all. The action! Oh there is always some sort of obstacle or attack at every turn Morgan makes. She thinks she's ahead of the bad guys, but not really.
This is book 6 of the series. I don't usually pick up books in the middle of a series, but I listened to a novella that was stand alone as well as in this series and loved the settings. So I had to dive into the series. But I found it easy to dive in. There are brief drops of the last case with Morgan and Jake, where he got hurt. Even cases that Morgan had been on without Jake. This gives us a nice introduction into the book and world of ARKANE. Not only does this give me a feel for the history leading into this book, but also makes me want to go back to those previous books to live through the heart racing moments. But then we go back near where a previous book took place, so it all comes together yet you don't have to have been there the first time. We even get a quick overview into the ARKANE. Arcane Religious Knowledge And Numinous Experience Institute.
The book is the characters and the characters are the book. They are all so closely related and well fit together for the cases they are on. The lives of the characters and what they are brilliant at is exactly what brings them to this job and the cases they are on, even personal ones like this as Morgan was taught to look for these things from her father and he his before him. There is a character we come across later in the story. He knows a bit more than we expected. He's been trained, in a small fashion, for what the Remnant's were keeping secret. I love the magic he brings forth to us.
This book dives a bit deeper into Morgan's history. We get to see her family raising along with her job before joining the ARKANE, her ancestry, and experiences in life. Even her father and his obsession with numerology and translating numbers to letters, and how he died three years ago. Nice to learn all this and give a deeper background to her.
There is more to the story than a personal case and saving the world. Morgan worries about her partner and his return to field work. He had sustained severe injuries in their last case together and she worries if she can trust him, will he be strong enough mentally and physically. And another worry, has she changed without him and will they be able to work together again. This is an underlying worry for her, and it shows for Jake as well. But there comes a point that they will have to make their chooses and move on. In this token, I think the book is readying Morgan and her partner for what they are going to have to deal with next. Which there will be something if the Directors words are true in the beginning of the book.
I enjoy this style of thriller reads. I wanted to listen to this book in one sitting, yet I wanted to pause to absorb all I was learning and piece it together myself. It's got a paranormal feel to the religious aspects and has caught my attention with the writing, adventures, and dangerous action present. I'll be adding the previous books, and any to come, to my library.
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
Adam wants the Key. The key to open the gates of Hell and to cleanse the earth. He's demanding the last of the Remnant to give it to him. But the man of devote faith couldn't think of letting that be unleashed that on the world, so he does the one thing he can think of.
Morgan has received a package in her dead father's handwriting, along with another's she doesn't recognize. An ancient book with a loose paper of symbols in her father's script. The person that sent it to her, the last living member of the Remnant, was found dead that morning. The further Morgan digs in this case, the more she learns of her father and the secret organization he was a part of that protected an old secret of the Hebrew. She has three days before the planets align to race a man determined to release the darkness on the world before he gets the Key and to the Gates. Morgan must find the Key first to stop him. But can she solve the answers to the puzzles before Adam and not let the desire for revenge get in the way?
Veronica is one of the best at voicing different voices and accents to make it easy to different characters in a story. I love how Veronica knows when to speed up, then slow down. She accents the scenes as they go, making my heart race in chases and pause in other moments to have the reader feel the impact. One example is a moment where Jake starts to crawl through snakes. Veronica does an amazing job with the pacing in her voice here. A moment you want to creep through unheard, and unnoticed yet I want to hurry. My heart started to race but I know I needed to breath slow with Jake to get there, and not hurt. Then the fast movement around him! Veronica's voice brings this across.
J.F. Penn's prologues are mesmerizing, intoxicating... so well written to draw a whole story in and of itself. This prologue gripped me by the event that happens and tells of what story could come. She uses every word to tell of so many different pieces of information. Wow. I'm amazed by it!
And the writing to follow is nothing short of what we get in the prologue.
Thrilling, action, adventure. All in one place. The descriptions of the sights we see are amazing - diving in the Dead Sea, the city of Barcelona, and the artwork viewed. So beautiful. Not only do we get the stunning view but the emotional reaction of the characters at the sight. This really hits home the beauty, or horror, of it all. The action! Oh there is always some sort of obstacle or attack at every turn Morgan makes. She thinks she's ahead of the bad guys, but not really.
This is book 6 of the series. I don't usually pick up books in the middle of a series, but I listened to a novella that was stand alone as well as in this series and loved the settings. So I had to dive into the series. But I found it easy to dive in. There are brief drops of the last case with Morgan and Jake, where he got hurt. Even cases that Morgan had been on without Jake. This gives us a nice introduction into the book and world of ARKANE. Not only does this give me a feel for the history leading into this book, but also makes me want to go back to those previous books to live through the heart racing moments. But then we go back near where a previous book took place, so it all comes together yet you don't have to have been there the first time. We even get a quick overview into the ARKANE. Arcane Religious Knowledge And Numinous Experience Institute.
The book is the characters and the characters are the book. They are all so closely related and well fit together for the cases they are on. The lives of the characters and what they are brilliant at is exactly what brings them to this job and the cases they are on, even personal ones like this as Morgan was taught to look for these things from her father and he his before him. There is a character we come across later in the story. He knows a bit more than we expected. He's been trained, in a small fashion, for what the Remnant's were keeping secret. I love the magic he brings forth to us.
This book dives a bit deeper into Morgan's history. We get to see her family raising along with her job before joining the ARKANE, her ancestry, and experiences in life. Even her father and his obsession with numerology and translating numbers to letters, and how he died three years ago. Nice to learn all this and give a deeper background to her.
There is more to the story than a personal case and saving the world. Morgan worries about her partner and his return to field work. He had sustained severe injuries in their last case together and she worries if she can trust him, will he be strong enough mentally and physically. And another worry, has she changed without him and will they be able to work together again. This is an underlying worry for her, and it shows for Jake as well. But there comes a point that they will have to make their chooses and move on. In this token, I think the book is readying Morgan and her partner for what they are going to have to deal with next. Which there will be something if the Directors words are true in the beginning of the book.
I enjoy this style of thriller reads. I wanted to listen to this book in one sitting, yet I wanted to pause to absorb all I was learning and piece it together myself. It's got a paranormal feel to the religious aspects and has caught my attention with the writing, adventures, and dangerous action present. I'll be adding the previous books, and any to come, to my library.
December 14, 2018
3.5 Stars
I'm willing to admit that this is not my normal favorite genre. However, since I read a lot of JF Penn's non-fiction books on writing, I figured I'd read as many of her fiction novels & novellas as I could.
Penn has an excellent grasp of pacing, character development, research, fight scenes and description. Story structure and plotting are definitely in her wheel house as well.
Since this is #6 in the series, I do understand the need to repeat necessary information regarding the reoccurring characters, previous adventures and some backstory.
However, I did find some of the repetition, well too repetitive within the book itself. I also found some of the dialogue stiff, as if I were reading from a tour guide book instead of listening to two or more people discuss a certain locale, legend or historical happening.
I already have the 7th novella in the series so, I'll read it as well. I am learning practical application of a lot of what she teaches so, that's a plus.
I'm willing to admit that this is not my normal favorite genre. However, since I read a lot of JF Penn's non-fiction books on writing, I figured I'd read as many of her fiction novels & novellas as I could.
Penn has an excellent grasp of pacing, character development, research, fight scenes and description. Story structure and plotting are definitely in her wheel house as well.
Since this is #6 in the series, I do understand the need to repeat necessary information regarding the reoccurring characters, previous adventures and some backstory.
However, I did find some of the repetition, well too repetitive within the book itself. I also found some of the dialogue stiff, as if I were reading from a tour guide book instead of listening to two or more people discuss a certain locale, legend or historical happening.
I already have the 7th novella in the series so, I'll read it as well. I am learning practical application of a lot of what she teaches so, that's a plus.
August 31, 2020
I've read a handful of JF Penn's ARKANE books and this one feels about par for the course. As usual, the author does a great job with pacing and plotting, and her passion for travel and incorporating those details into her stories via the characters traveling to those locations really shine through as strong points of the book.
On the other hand, the exposition and the dialogue were overwrought and clunky at times, which led to some scenes that sequences that really didn't work very well. Other than those handful of moments, though, this was an enjoyable, quick read and the author clearly has a gift for fast-paced storytelling with a flair for archaeology, architecture, and mythology.
I've been a fan of the author's (especially her nonfiction work) for a number of years, so I'll continue to check out her fiction offerings from time to time. All of them have proven to be entertaining, interesting reads from start to finish.
On the other hand, the exposition and the dialogue were overwrought and clunky at times, which led to some scenes that sequences that really didn't work very well. Other than those handful of moments, though, this was an enjoyable, quick read and the author clearly has a gift for fast-paced storytelling with a flair for archaeology, architecture, and mythology.
I've been a fan of the author's (especially her nonfiction work) for a number of years, so I'll continue to check out her fiction offerings from time to time. All of them have proven to be entertaining, interesting reads from start to finish.
July 19, 2021
An ancient manuscript, diving into the Dead Sea, loads of sightseeing and history – and stuff blowing up! So much fun to read.
Morgan learns the truth about her father’s death and a Kabbalist group called the Remnant who protects the world from demons. She and Jake have to stop a fanatic from finding the Key and opening the Gates of Hell.
I liked that Morgan is faced with things from her past, learning the truth about it and overcoming her own fears. I also liked the use of Kabballah mysticism – especially the climax.
Another great adventure where Morgan saves the world from the occult.
Morgan learns the truth about her father’s death and a Kabbalist group called the Remnant who protects the world from demons. She and Jake have to stop a fanatic from finding the Key and opening the Gates of Hell.
I liked that Morgan is faced with things from her past, learning the truth about it and overcoming her own fears. I also liked the use of Kabballah mysticism – especially the climax.
Another great adventure where Morgan saves the world from the occult.
July 17, 2021
Might be my imagination but these books seem to be getting darker with themes of the occult even more prominient. Not complaining as I love this genre and Penn is fast becoming one of my go to authors.
Once again Morgan is fighting against time to save us all from untold evil. Will she stop Adam Kadmon before he opens the Gates to Hell.
Full of action this book is long enough you can really get into it but it's a quick read you can have it finished in a couple of days.
Once again Morgan is fighting against time to save us all from untold evil. Will she stop Adam Kadmon before he opens the Gates to Hell.
Full of action this book is long enough you can really get into it but it's a quick read you can have it finished in a couple of days.
March 30, 2025
This is a blending of thrilling adventures with historical and supernatural mysteries. The story follows Morgan Sierra as she embarks on a perilous mission to uncover ancient secrets tied to religious artifacts and dark powers. It's filled with suspense, vivid settings, and thought-provoking themes that explore the line between good and evil.
April 28, 2020
What an adventure! A thriller with dark fiction, plenty of action (although you wonder how the characters come up for air to keep going the way they do) and then the story takes place in some of the most beautiful places and buildings in the world. My kind of story that I can immerse myself in.
August 19, 2020
Another adventurous Arkane book!
I love reading the Arkane books by J.F.PENN. She combines religion, adventure and travel like none other!
I am off to NEW YORK for more excitement!
I love reading the Arkane books by J.F.PENN. She combines religion, adventure and travel like none other!
I am off to NEW YORK for more excitement!
November 8, 2020
Short read but packed full of horror as bad people try opening the gates and let bad things out.
Packed full of action in well researched locations.
Another brilliant book by the wee giggler with the satanic mind.
Thoroughly recommend it.
October 23, 2021
This is another fantastic Archaeological read. Exactly the sort of books I just cannot get enough of. This author weaves a wonderfull storyline that keeps you reading right through to an ending you just don't see coming. Highly recommended.
March 10, 2019
See my Stone of Fire comments
August 20, 2021
Move over Dan brown
Move over Dan Brown because there is a new pretender on the scene who has stolen your crown for a classic thriller and get the whole series is just as good .
Move over Dan Brown because there is a new pretender on the scene who has stolen your crown for a classic thriller and get the whole series is just as good .
December 31, 2025
Great for lovers of Indiana Jones type stories
August 12, 2024
A good thriller. This was a fast moving page turner. Anyone familiar with the series will enjoy this story. You need to find out what Morgan will face as she attempts to stop the gates of hell.
June 14, 2020
It seemed like the story was rushed right along to the end.
January 17, 2017
Fantastic!!!!
Yet another masterpiece in this arkane series by Penn. I would put these books up with the popular versions and say as good if not better. A must, must, must read!!!! Can't wait for the next :)
Yet another masterpiece in this arkane series by Penn. I would put these books up with the popular versions and say as good if not better. A must, must, must read!!!! Can't wait for the next :)
January 21, 2021
Very Good
As always Ms Penn has created an adventure that doesn't stop! One thing I love about her writing is how she uses places which she has actually visited in her books. After reading about the cathedral I ended up spending several hours online studying the beauty and being amazed that it will not be finished for several more years! This attention to detail makes her one of my favorite authors!
As always Ms Penn has created an adventure that doesn't stop! One thing I love about her writing is how she uses places which she has actually visited in her books. After reading about the cathedral I ended up spending several hours online studying the beauty and being amazed that it will not be finished for several more years! This attention to detail makes her one of my favorite authors!
January 4, 2015
Rabbi Santiago Pereira falls to his bloody death at the feet of the sculpture of Christ on the Sagrada Familia basilica in Spain. He's been running in hopes of escaping a man, now known as Adam Kadmon, determined to know where the Key to the Gates of Hell is hidden. Kadmon will not let Pereira's death deter him from finding the key and unleashing the horrors of hell on the earth. Right there, in the prologue, my heart clenched in terror and I was hooked. The rich details of the scene, the atmosphere, the mounting tension between Santiago and Kadmon scared the daylights out of me. The Gates Of Hell were about to be opened. All that was needed was the Key, and Kadmon was not going to back down from his mission.
Sierra Morgan, a woman who never backs down from anything, receives a mysterious letter from her father who had been killed three years earlier, telling her she is now the last of the Remnant and must protect the Key. The what? What's a Remnant? Who sent this letter, and why now? And how can the manuscript that arrived at ARKANE, deep below Trafalgar Square in London, be deciphered and lead to the key? The Key to the Gate Of Hell is thought to be another religious artifact to be added to the ARKANE collection, perhaps an undertaking not worth the effort. But Sierra's loyalty and trust in her father smiles in defiance at the director's orders, and another bone-rattling battle between the ancient forces of good and evil begins.
This book is simply amazing. There is depth and background to the story of ARKANE and Sierra Morgan's life that all weaves together into storytelling at its best. The threat of hell being set loose builds as Sierra and her partner travel to Spain, the Dead Sea, Israel and a castle in Prague in an effort to find the artifact before it becomes the instrument of doom when it falls into the hands of Kadmon. If you want to go places, stick with Sierra Morgan, but be careful. This tough lady has a taste for danger, drives really fast, and dives deep into the depths of Jewish Kabbalah mysticism. This author and her protagonist will take you to places and ancient mysteries in a way that makes them real, right now, and always on that brink we can only go to on the imagination of a major talent.
This is the sixth book in the ARKANE series, and I was lucky enough to read an advance copy of it for an honest review. Honestly, read this book. Fall into the world of Sierra Morgan and the mysteries she hunts down behind the veil of the seen world. You'll be entertained in a most frightening way, and not a second of your time will be wasted.
Sierra Morgan, a woman who never backs down from anything, receives a mysterious letter from her father who had been killed three years earlier, telling her she is now the last of the Remnant and must protect the Key. The what? What's a Remnant? Who sent this letter, and why now? And how can the manuscript that arrived at ARKANE, deep below Trafalgar Square in London, be deciphered and lead to the key? The Key to the Gate Of Hell is thought to be another religious artifact to be added to the ARKANE collection, perhaps an undertaking not worth the effort. But Sierra's loyalty and trust in her father smiles in defiance at the director's orders, and another bone-rattling battle between the ancient forces of good and evil begins.
This book is simply amazing. There is depth and background to the story of ARKANE and Sierra Morgan's life that all weaves together into storytelling at its best. The threat of hell being set loose builds as Sierra and her partner travel to Spain, the Dead Sea, Israel and a castle in Prague in an effort to find the artifact before it becomes the instrument of doom when it falls into the hands of Kadmon. If you want to go places, stick with Sierra Morgan, but be careful. This tough lady has a taste for danger, drives really fast, and dives deep into the depths of Jewish Kabbalah mysticism. This author and her protagonist will take you to places and ancient mysteries in a way that makes them real, right now, and always on that brink we can only go to on the imagination of a major talent.
This is the sixth book in the ARKANE series, and I was lucky enough to read an advance copy of it for an honest review. Honestly, read this book. Fall into the world of Sierra Morgan and the mysteries she hunts down behind the veil of the seen world. You'll be entertained in a most frightening way, and not a second of your time will be wasted.
March 1, 2015
J.F. Penn did it again with another thrill ride. The thing I love about the Arkane series is that it takes you to places that most of us will never have the chance to visit. From swimming in the dead sea to the narrow streets of Safed. J.F. made me visit those places in mind with rich visual descriptions to the smell and sound of the locations. I think if I were to go there one day it would be like I was there already.
Another thing I am hooked on is the characters, Morgan Sierra is at it again, blowing up things and saving her men. I love that she is so strong in her convictions, she is a great role model of strength and determination for women. Yes I know she's fictional but after going through her journeys with her I felt like I could do anything. Jake Timber disappointed me a bit because he was more of a hinderance than a help in this one. However nothing was lost in the story because of it.
Not since I read IT by Stephen King as a child, that a book has scared me like Gates of Hell. In Gates of Hell, J.F. explored the dark side of religion as she does in most if not all of the Arkane series, but this one scared the crap out of me because she explored a religion that I had a very vague idea about. She had me wondering how much of this is really fiction. The research and time that she put into creating the books in the series definitely pays off and I for one really appreciate it.
From the first chapter in the book I was hooked and I knew it was going to be a good one. Gates of Hell was in interesting read, it had me devouring every page as I am dropped into the scenes with the characters.
I am looking forward to reading all the books in the series. This book is best suited for readers who enjoy reading about strong female characters, adventure, monster under the bed kind of thing, where reality and fiction is blurred. Don't expect romance this is not that kind of book, you can feel the attraction between the characters but they never go there. With all the adventure going on there's just no room for it.
Another thing I am hooked on is the characters, Morgan Sierra is at it again, blowing up things and saving her men. I love that she is so strong in her convictions, she is a great role model of strength and determination for women. Yes I know she's fictional but after going through her journeys with her I felt like I could do anything. Jake Timber disappointed me a bit because he was more of a hinderance than a help in this one. However nothing was lost in the story because of it.
Not since I read IT by Stephen King as a child, that a book has scared me like Gates of Hell. In Gates of Hell, J.F. explored the dark side of religion as she does in most if not all of the Arkane series, but this one scared the crap out of me because she explored a religion that I had a very vague idea about. She had me wondering how much of this is really fiction. The research and time that she put into creating the books in the series definitely pays off and I for one really appreciate it.
From the first chapter in the book I was hooked and I knew it was going to be a good one. Gates of Hell was in interesting read, it had me devouring every page as I am dropped into the scenes with the characters.
I am looking forward to reading all the books in the series. This book is best suited for readers who enjoy reading about strong female characters, adventure, monster under the bed kind of thing, where reality and fiction is blurred. Don't expect romance this is not that kind of book, you can feel the attraction between the characters but they never go there. With all the adventure going on there's just no room for it.
December 19, 2015
I'm a big fan of J. F. Penn's nonfiction work, so I thought I'd give her fiction a try. As someone who's interested in mysticism and Kabbalah, I'm always on the lookout for novels by authors who integrate elements of realistic occult practices into their stories. The Gates of Hell drew me in right from the start because the author does exactly that.
I was particularly impressed with the author’s knowledge of lesser-known religious practices. It's obvious she has done a decent amount of research into Jewish mysticism, which gives the story some nice detail. She makes references to obscure aspects of Kabbalistic practice which are usually only known to those who research or study Jewish mysticism or the occult. To find a novel that makes reference to the Qlippoth is extremely rare; it just shows how deep the author's interest in religion really goes.
Morgan's constant habit of quoting historical facts added a dimension of realism to her character that I really enjoyed. Typically, individuals who study esoteric topics tend to be bookworms who are constantly quoting obscure historical facts to anybody who'll listen. Morgan's personality is exactly what you'd expect from someone who has spent years studying the paranormal.
The Audio Book
The only problem I had with this book was I felt the narrator's performance came up a little short. The action scenes weren't read with the energy and passion that I would've expected. Also, the narrators British accents weren't very good. All of this made the whole experience a bit less enjoyable for me. I personally felt the narrator's performance got in the way of the author's story. However, I still enjoyed the book enough that I intend to buy the rest of the series.
Overall, I felt the story was decent, but it ended too quickly for me.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.
I was particularly impressed with the author’s knowledge of lesser-known religious practices. It's obvious she has done a decent amount of research into Jewish mysticism, which gives the story some nice detail. She makes references to obscure aspects of Kabbalistic practice which are usually only known to those who research or study Jewish mysticism or the occult. To find a novel that makes reference to the Qlippoth is extremely rare; it just shows how deep the author's interest in religion really goes.
Morgan's constant habit of quoting historical facts added a dimension of realism to her character that I really enjoyed. Typically, individuals who study esoteric topics tend to be bookworms who are constantly quoting obscure historical facts to anybody who'll listen. Morgan's personality is exactly what you'd expect from someone who has spent years studying the paranormal.
The Audio Book
The only problem I had with this book was I felt the narrator's performance came up a little short. The action scenes weren't read with the energy and passion that I would've expected. Also, the narrators British accents weren't very good. All of this made the whole experience a bit less enjoyable for me. I personally felt the narrator's performance got in the way of the author's story. However, I still enjoyed the book enough that I intend to buy the rest of the series.
Overall, I felt the story was decent, but it ended too quickly for me.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.
October 30, 2015
Although this is not the first book in this series (and I will be searching that out), it does provide a more than adequate introduction to what I think will be a group of very readable and fascinating books. The author, who has degrees in theology among other things, researches her material, and so the supernatural elements are, for the most part not only interesting, but accurate as well. The writing is accomplished, as is the character development. As a bonus, the author has a keen eye for setting and atmosphere, using description to make her exotic settings spring into vivid life. All in all, I found this an excellent read, good enough, in fact, to search out and read the rest of her series.
While the narrator did an adequate job, I found her reading speed a bit too fast, and often felt as though she was trying to rush through the book. Book narration is not just reading out loud. It is a dramatic art, containing elements of both elocution and theater, and requires skilled use of the voice, which includes pitch, breath control and expression. I have listened to recorded books for most of my life, so I can easily recognize truly fine narration when I hear it, and I did not hear that, here. However, the narrator has, potentially, a lovely speaking voice, and could become a very fine narrator, I think.
I especially liked the author’s note at the end of the book, which put some things into perspective, and explained some of the arcane material she used.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for this unbiased review courtesy of AudioBookBlast dot com.
While the narrator did an adequate job, I found her reading speed a bit too fast, and often felt as though she was trying to rush through the book. Book narration is not just reading out loud. It is a dramatic art, containing elements of both elocution and theater, and requires skilled use of the voice, which includes pitch, breath control and expression. I have listened to recorded books for most of my life, so I can easily recognize truly fine narration when I hear it, and I did not hear that, here. However, the narrator has, potentially, a lovely speaking voice, and could become a very fine narrator, I think.
I especially liked the author’s note at the end of the book, which put some things into perspective, and explained some of the arcane material she used.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for this unbiased review courtesy of AudioBookBlast dot com.
August 27, 2015
Gates of Hell is an action-packed book with the Kabbalah mysticism. ARKANE agent Dr. Morgan Sierra and Jake Timber received a package from Morgan's late father that have them in a race to find a supernatural key that will open the Gate of Hell from Adam Kadmon who seek to destroy and remake the world.
Please note that the subtitle A Woman's Revenge for the Death of Her Father didn't apply until after a third of the book was read. This story has two story plots: 1) to save the world and 2) Revenge. Somehow these two plots do intertwined with each other as the story develop.
What I like about the story, it takes the readers/listeners to Spain, Israel and the Czech Republic and the religious symbolism that each of these places hold. Another reason why I like the story is that each character's background is given to readers/listeners of what bring the characters to who they are and the motive of why they do the things that they do.
The narrator Veronica Giguere delivered the story with finesse. (After all, the story is very well written.) I especially love the voice that narrator gives to the character Morgan. The narrator shows that Morgan is a very complex character.
I am looking forward to reading/listening to more books by the author as well as the narrator. I would love to discover more about Morgan and Jake.
I was given this audiobook by the author/narrator in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated or influence in any way for my review.
Please note that the subtitle A Woman's Revenge for the Death of Her Father didn't apply until after a third of the book was read. This story has two story plots: 1) to save the world and 2) Revenge. Somehow these two plots do intertwined with each other as the story develop.
What I like about the story, it takes the readers/listeners to Spain, Israel and the Czech Republic and the religious symbolism that each of these places hold. Another reason why I like the story is that each character's background is given to readers/listeners of what bring the characters to who they are and the motive of why they do the things that they do.
The narrator Veronica Giguere delivered the story with finesse. (After all, the story is very well written.) I especially love the voice that narrator gives to the character Morgan. The narrator shows that Morgan is a very complex character.
I am looking forward to reading/listening to more books by the author as well as the narrator. I would love to discover more about Morgan and Jake.
I was given this audiobook by the author/narrator in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated or influence in any way for my review.
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